Section 296-307-63825. Make sure third-party hearing loss prevention programs meet the following requirements.

IMPORTANT:

Third-party hearing loss prevention programs are intended:

• For short-term employees hired or assigned to duties having noise exposures for less than one year

AND

• For seasonal employees.

However, other employees may be included as long as you meet all requirements for hearing loss follow-ups and recordkeeping.

You must:

• Make sure that the third-party program is:

– Equivalent to an employer program as required by this part

AND

– Uses audiometric testing to evaluate hearing loss.

• Make sure a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other qualified physician administers the third-party program

• Make sure the third-party program has written procedures for:

– Communicating with participating employers of program requirements

– Follow-up procedures for detected hearing loss

– Annual review of participating employer programs.

• Make sure the following program elements are corrected by you or the third-party program when deficiencies are found:

– Noise exposures

– Hearing protection

– Employee training

– Noise controls.

• Obtain a review of your hearing loss prevention program at least once per year, conducted by the third-party program administrator or their representative, in order to:

– Identify any tasks needing a revised selection of hearing protection

AND

– Provide an overall assessment of the employers' hearing loss prevention activities.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-63825, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-63825, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.